Senate File 418 is a bill removing gender identity as a protected characteristic under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. It was the focal point of the public comment period at the Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday. 

Washington For Justice, a nonprofit based in the county seat, has started a petition to show support for the Supervisors to draft and vote on a resolution declaring the community’s civil rights standards. Representatives were in attendance at the meeting. 

Washington For Justice Director Dan Henderson shared signatures that were gathered in Washington County, and the group’s view on the impact of SF 418, “That represents about two hundred signatures from the county of Washington. Of people who are in support of a Civil Rights ordinance for our county. Five Republicans who voted against SF 418 back in January. That law or that bill took away protection, legal protection from our transgender friends. So, please, you need to understand Civil Rights are not associated with any political party, it’s a human rights issue. You can be a Republican, and stand up for the rights of all people.” 

Supervisor Marcus Fedler invited Iowa Representative Jeff Shipley, who represents Van Buren, Jefferson, and Henry counties in District 87, to speak on the issue. Shipley is a member of the House Judiciary Committee, and was involved with the bill. 

 Supervisor Richard Young shared this statement on the potential passing of an ordinance, “I think there are a lot of people here that have a misconception, that if we make a county-wide ordinance, that it is going to take the whole county in. It does not take any incorporated city. So the City of Washington, does not provide by it, the City of Kalona, does not provide by it. No incorporated City does. So I just want you to understand that.” 

Senate File 418 redefines “sex” in Iowa law based on biological characteristics at birth and removes “gender identity” as a protected class under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The bill was signed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on February 28th, and will take effect on July 1st.